Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Infection and Hospitalization Rates: Throughout the study period, SARS-CoV-2 infection rates ranged from 61.4 to 133.8 per 10,000 nursing home residents, with a peak of 133.8 in early December 2023. COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates ranged from 3.8 to 7.1 per 10,000 residents, highlighting ongoing high risks in this population.
2. Low Vaccination Coverage: By February 2024, only 40.5% of nursing home residents had received the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine, indicating suboptimal vaccination coverage in this vulnerable group.
3. Weekly Reporting Reveals Persistent Challenges: Each week, 14.9% to 26.1% of nursing homes reported new SARS-CoV-2 infections among their residents, underscoring the persistent challenge of managing COVID-19 in these settings.
4. Geographical Variations: The Midwest region reported the highest cumulative weekly rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection (130.1 per 10,000 residents), while the South had the lowest rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalization (5.0 per 10,000 residents).
5. Importance of Ongoing Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of COVID-19 incidence, hospitalizations, and vaccination among nursing home residents is crucial to developing and evaluating effective public health interventions.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Theresa A. Rowe, DO, nnq1@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Franklin D, Barbre K, Rowe TA, et al. COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, and Rates of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization Among Residents in Nursing Homes — National Healthcare Safety Network, United States, October 2023–February 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:339–344. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7315a3

Summary

This MMWR article presents a detailed analysis of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, infection rates, and hospitalizations among nursing home residents in the U.S. from October 2023 to February 2024, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of this population and the need for improved vaccination efforts.

Methods

Data were gathered from CMS-certified nursing homes reporting to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, focusing on new infections, hospitalizations, and vaccination updates among residents.

Discussion

The report discusses the implications of high infection rates and low vaccination coverage, emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions and continuous surveillance to mitigate COVID-19 risks in nursing homes.

Conclusion

Despite a lower peak in infection rates compared to previous years, the persistent high rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations and low vaccination coverage underscore the critical need for ongoing public health measures and enhanced vaccination efforts in nursing homes.

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